About Jennifer Chesterton
I trained as a Physiotherapist at Northumbria University and completed subsequent junior physiotherapy experience at Sunderland Royal Hospital. This sparked my initial interest in paediatric physiotherapy where I moved to a senior role working at Northumberland NHS Trust. I have engaged in a clinical lead role drawing upon interests in leadership and service development.
My specialist interest area is in the management of children with complex needs and neuromuscular disorders and I have spent a number of years working in educational settings. I have a passion for integration, child-centred care, postural management of children and developing functional skills, particularly in Cerebral Palsy.
I am a member of the APCP Committee (Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists) and I'm keen to maintain links with clinical practice and Higher Education (HE).
I am currently studying for a professional doctorate based on eliciting the voice of the child in the SEND and EHCP Process.
Teaching and supervision
I teach BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy.
I lead modules around professional practice, holistic practice across the lifespan, and leadership across Levels 4 to 6.
Interests
I am interested in students' readiness for practice and their experiences of their training. This is particularly surrounding paediatric placements and roles as junior clinicians.
My previous work in the NHS was in a wider multidisciplinary team, and the integration of inter-professional learning is another interest of mine to embed into teaching and practice.
Similarly, working alongside colleagues such as orthotists has developed my interest in biomechanics in neuro-disability, and this may be an area of subsequent research in the future.
Areas of expertise
- Childrens neurological physiotherapy
- Management of children with complex and multiple disabilities in a specialist school settings
- Allied Health in the SEND process
- 24-hour postural management for children with complex physical disabilities